Healthy, Easy & Gluten-Friendly – YaDa Chef Personal Chef ServicesLooking for a simple, flavorful way to transform leftover fish into something special? These oven-baked fish cakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with fresh herbs and zesty flavor. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and they’re naturally gluten-free when using rice crumbs.

This recipe was born from using leftovers in the fridge — a great way to reduce waste and create something new. You can use any previously cooked white fish such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or even salmon.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients 

• 1 pound (450g) cod fillet (or any cooked white fish)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ bunch scallions (green onions), thinly sliced (about 60–70g)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Dijon mustard
• 6 tablespoons (90ml / about 55–60g) rice crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• 3 tablespoons (45ml / about 15g) chopped fresh parsley
• 3 dashes hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml / 6g) sea salt
• ½ teaspoon (2ml / 3g) black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C / Gas Mark 6).
2. Rub the fish with half of the olive oil (1 tablespoon / 15ml). Place on a sheet pan and bake for 10–12 minutes if using raw fish. If using already cooked leftovers, you can skip this step and proceed to flaking. Remove from oven (keep the oven on) and let cool slightly.
3. Flake the fish into a large mixing bowl, breaking it into small pieces.
4. Add the beaten egg, sliced scallions, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, rice crumbs, chopped parsley, hot sauce, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
5. Using a ¼ cup (60ml) scoop or measuring cup, portion the mixture and form into patties. You should get about 8–10 fish cakes.
6. Place the patties on the same baking sheet (lightly oiled if needed). Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cakes are firm and lightly golden. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 1–2 minutes.

Tip: No need to flip them — they bake evenly on one side.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Roasted sweet potatoes
• A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables
• Tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with herbs
• A side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal

These fish cakes reheat beautifully and make excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier than fried — oven-baking cuts down on oil while keeping them crispy.
• Customizable — swap herbs, add a bit of garlic, or use different fish.
• Senior-friendly & gentle — soft texture, easy to chew, and full of lean protein.
• Great for meal prep — make a batch and freeze uncooked patties for quick future meals.

At YaDa Chef, we love recipes that are practical, nutritious, and delicious — especially ones that help seniors and families make the most of what they have on hand.

Ready to enjoy more chef-crafted meals at home?
We provide personal chef services, cooking classes, and custom meal prep throughout  the Treasure Coast.

954-367-9232 (YADA)
info@yadachef.com

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